Prolific former EconLog blogger Brian Caplan will soon be publishing his latest „graphic novel.“ Build, Baby, Build: The Science and Ethics of Housing Regulation.
He asked me to post about it and I said I would if I could see the content. So Brian sent me a pre-pub version.
amazing! I hate calling this a graphic novel. Because this is not a novel. A compelling documentary presented in graphic format.
Brian points out that the rise in house prices can be explained by looking at an increase in demand without an increase in supply. But why isn't the supply increasing? The main reason is regulation. Other economists have made this point, and I have made it in many book reviews and lectures over the years. But the way it's expressed graphically is very effective.
At least it can be effective if you have the right „grapher“. And the combination of economist Brian Caplan's inspiring words and artist Adi Bransey's stunning artwork is the best.
Below are some excerpts.
I can imagine teachers using these in high school and even middle school classes to teach students two things: (1) economics and (2) good deregulated housing policy.